Westchester County Executive George Latimer has signed into law legislation that would require the posting of notices warning of the dangers of weapons or firearms at the point of sale and at the point of the issuance of a firearm license.
Latimer said: “We as a County are limited as to what we can do when it comes to preventing access to firearms, but as we banned the gun show at the County Center we can take steps to strip away the glorification of weapons. Similar to the Surgeon General’s Warning on cigarettes, this warning will remind people
just how dangerous guns are.”
Chairwoman Catherine Borgia said: “When we first began discussing this law a few years ago, I was stunned to learn of the sheer number of accidental deaths of
children in homes that have guns. I think that just a reminder of the safety necessary when people choose to have guns in their homes is so important.
When my children where younger and we would go to houses for play dates, I would always ask ‘Is there a gun in your house?’ And more than a few parents say, ‘Our kids don’t know.’ But, they do know. This will be a valuable reminder for anyone who is a buyer of a weapon that safety measures are critical for the well-being of their own loved ones.”
This new law would require every person, firm or corporation located in Westchester and engaged in the retail business of selling weapons to post a notice where weapons or firearms are displayed or delivered to the purchaser at the entrance to the site and in at least one additional area where sales occur conspicuously stating, in no smaller than 24-point type and on paper at least 8 and 1/2 inches by 11 inches in bold print the following warning: Upon the issuance of a license, the County Clerk would also be required to provide the licensee a written copy of the notice indicating the warning risks of the presence of a weapon or firearm in the home.
New York Chapter of Moms Demand Action Volunteer Barry Graubart said: “In Westchester County, gun safety is a top priority, and that includes ensuring that county residents understand the risks that firearms bring with them in the home. Potential gun owners deserve to know what it means to have guns in their homes, and this ordinance is a major step toward creating that awareness. We are glad to see County Executive Latimer sign this important common sense measure into effect.” (Submitted)
